Last Autumn Volkswagen Motorsport declared that they would end development and factory support for cars with internal combustion engine (ICE) with the exception being the Polo GTI R5, which will live on.
Now it has been confirmed that production will continue after 2020 and development is underway with François-Xavier Demaison as the Technical Director. Small improvements have recently been added and delivered to customers, and in the Spring new parts are being delivered for the suspension which will improve the car’s results.
“As is well known, if you are not moving forward, you are always moving backward in the world of motorsport,” Demaison said.
“As such, it is hugely important to be constantly working on ideas and solutions for improved performance and durability. Thanks to the comprehensive feedback we receive from our customers, we have been working on updates for the Polo GTI R5 since last year and the first detailed improvements are already being delivered to customers.”
The development takes place according to customers’ wishes and feedback, as data is collected from all corners of the world, the first of the changes come in the suspension. More will come during the year and a new kit is expected to be homologated this Autumn or at the latest before the 2021 season.
At the same time, the pressure on sales seems to remain high despite the fact that several teams have left the marque. 70 cars have been delivered since the debut, of which some 60 continue to compete, production will be increased by 20% to keep pace with the orders.
“The success story of the Polo GTI R5 is overwhelming. In customer hands, it had already claimed more than 75 victories and 125 podium finishes by the end of 2019,” Sven Smeets, Volkswagen Motorsport Director, said.
“However, it is not only the success of our customers that is important to us, but also their experience in a wide range of conditions – whether on asphalt, gravel, or ice and snow. Our engineers use this feedback to make detailed improvements to the Polo GTI R5. Our goal is to ensure that the Polo GTI R5 remains successful.”
